The latest redeployments that will be effective from January 1 next year, have seen some magistrates being demoted from being resident magistrates in charge of stations to ordinary magistrates.In the Midlands province, Mr Tayengwa Sangster has been moved to Gweru as an ordinary magistrate from Shurugwi where he was resident magistrate.

Taking up Mr Sangster’s position is Ms Judith Taruvinga who was stationed in Gweru.

“Yes magistrates are on the move. They are being transferred across the country. There are over 50 who have been transferred for various reasons but the main one is that we want to improve on operational efficiency. Every year we transfer them so this is a routine exercise and there is a circular to that effect,” he said.

In September last year, two Bulawayo magistrates who were redeployed to new stations resigned allegedly in protest at being transferred.

While the JSC insisted that magistrates tendered their resignations due to other undisclosed reasons, sources said the two were leaving allegedly in protest over the transfers. The Chronicle